Welcome to our latest blog feature celebrating the achievements of Washington’s charter public schools and their communities! Innovation High School in Spokane is dedicated to empowering students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. IHS graduates are not just prepared for the future; they are shaping it.
This summer, we proudly highlight one of Innovation’s standout alumni from the Class of 2023. Rebekah Christanson’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of charter public school education. Hailing from Tonasket, Washington, Rebekah found her passion and purpose at Innovation High School, where she immersed herself in a curriculum designed to foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.
Having graduated with both a high school diploma and an AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College, Rebekah wasted no time in launching her entrepreneurial career as a photographer and artist. Her success story reflects the ethos of our charter community: preparing students not just to meet but to exceed expectations in the workforce and beyond.
This year, Rebekah had the honor of sharing her experiences on a student panel at WA Charters 2024 Conference in SeaTac, where she inspired educators, and advocates with her insights on the future of education. Join us in celebrating Rebekah and the more than 1,000 graduates who are making a difference across Washington state and beyond. Their stories demonstrate the impact of charter public schools in our communities.
Below is Rebekah’s story from the student panel, where she shared her thoughts on her inspiring journey through Innovation High School. Discover how her innovative spirit continues to drive her towards new heights!
What led you to enroll in a charter public school? What was high school like for you?
In my traditional public school, I did not feel as challenged as I wanted to. Halfway through my 9th grade year, I found Innovation High School and transferred. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic so that meant online school. Soon after, we started hybrid learning and were asked to be in-person full time.
Innovation High School accommodated my learning needs through my high school journey. As a big planner, I started thinking about life after high school in 9th grade. I participated in Running Start at Spokane Falls Community College starting in my 11th grade year. During that year, I often came to school to meet with friends and see the school counselor. My counselor helped me figure out my classes and gave me opportunities to find my niche. I also came back to the school to take photos of the talent show and grow my skills in photography.
Moving to a charter public school, I was able to grow more because of 1:1 time with my teachers. They helped me learn how to strive for an original way of thinking, creating, and thinking about the future.
If you could choose only 3 words to describe your experience at Innovation High School, what would they be and why?
- FLEXIBLE: my learning needs
- CREATIVE: my interest in art
- INNOVATION: the approach to my education experience
What specific programming significantly influenced your future career path?
By taking art classes, I discovered that I wanted to do something creative in the future and they helped me figure out what I want to go into. I consider myself an artsy person and found interests in jewelry making, drawing, and creating. I couldn’t have started my business without Innovation, learning key skills like communications, time management, and collaboration.
Tell us a little more about your current work experience. What are some skills and mindsets gained that are helping you navigate effectively?
I am now creating a small business called Handmade by Rebekah where I sell all the fun things that I make! I sell handmade crafts like jewelry, earrings, painting/drawing, crocheting, and sugar scrubs. I am also a photographer and you can find my work here.
At Innovation, I learned how to not give up and be confident. This “you got this” positive mindset really helped me be independent, do my own thing, and strive to go further. I hope to grow my business and open a store in person someday.
What would you want people in education to know about what high schoolers need most to be prepared for the future and different career pathways?
Listen to students and their needs. Sometimes, it doesn’t click. Listen to them on how to adjust!
It would be great if high school education included adulting classes to teach kids about taxes, cooking, how to apply to an apartment – everything you can possibly think of as an adult. It’s important to recognize that a lot of these kids don’t have a home or sometimes people in their lives to teach those life skills. Those are some things I wish I had learned more about on graduating and going straight into life.